Wednesday Wisdom - The Value of Discipline

No one truly enjoys being corrected or told that they are wrong. It is human nature to have a desire to be praised by others. However, in Proverbs 3 we learn just how important a role discipline plays in our lives. In verse 11-12, the writer tells us "My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in."

As a former athlete and coach, I have received and given my fair share of discipline. Having been on both sides of those interactions, I learned the value of discipline in the lives that recieved it AND those that refused it. There is a saying in the coaching ranks that when a coach stops disciplining a player, he stops caring about that person. We see that very same sentiment in this passage of Proverbs. We give discipline to those we love, unfortunately it seems many people are going without it today with serious, negative consequences. Just remember what I used to tell my players about a coach's discipline, "listen to what they are saying and not how they are saying it." As parents, we are expected to discipline our children in a loving and constructive manner. It may not always be easy, but it is absolutely necessary!

We all need discipline in our lives. It helps shape us, define us and strengthen us. I hope each of you have a great rest of your week and look forward to seeing you in church Sunday...

Pastor Aaron